Man of honour:

During the 1997 strike, my truck needed u-joints. I always had trouble with those. He mentioned he does small jobs like this & no reason to go to a garage to have it done, especially since we were on strike & had no money coming in. He came over one day to get this done as we lived close anyway. He ended up damaging the shaft to the point where I needed to buy a new one. Can't drive a truck with a bent shaft! I was miffed and didn't know what to say.

A week later I see him on the picket line and was an awkward moment as he saw my anger over what had happened. Without saying anything, he offered to pay for the new shaft and was a welcome relief but I mentioned he did not do this intentionally and was only trying to help. I asked him to only cover half as I had an equal part in it as well. This has stuck with me forever. 

--your time to rest now, Gabe. will see you when it's my time.

R_G